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Friday, October 31, 2008

I am not voting for anyone based on their skin color but on the principles and values in which they stand. I cannot and will not vote for anyone who supports abortion of any kind, same sex marriages and/or homosexuality.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

I am thankful today for the crisp fall air that has finally settled over Arkansas. Relief from the heat and humidity (my hair is also thankful) with air so thick you feel like you can't breathe for more than a few moments outside.

Awwwww....football weather, I like to call it. It is down right cold at night...in the 30's and highs are ranging from 50's - 60's. Now granted...we live in the south and even when the seasons change...they don't always stay that way...we might be back in the 80's or 90's next week! But, let me enjoy it while it last.

It is a time of year when the leaves on the trees are changing colors from a dark, healthy green to yellow, gold and red. The visual beauty of fall. The wind is blowing stronger than usual with a certain chill in the air that only the warm rays of sunshine can warm you. I could sit for hours just watching the leaves sway in the breeze, flip up and then down before being blown off the trees. They swirl through the air, first upward, then falling toward the ground and up again before settling in their final resting place on the still cold ground. I love to listen to the groaning, creaking and crackling of the limbs being moved this way and that way...like a child's arms when they are running around frailing them wildly pretending to be trees. The leaves that I have been watching have fallen onto what was once a plush green carpet of grass, now a sad brown, lonely and dying lawn.

It is the time of year that I love to open my windows and let the cool breezes blow through my house from front to back and side to side. It seems to re-entergize our home and my attitude. It makes me want to get up and get things down...like spring cleaning but in the fall.

The only negative things about fall are the leaves have to be raked and the dead, dry grass gets tracked in the house.

However, as much as I love fall...I don't like winter!

Seasons come and seasons go just like the seasons in our lives...come and go. Just because you are happy or sad at this moment in your life...rest assured...it will not last. There are times when you're on the mountain top shouting about how great life is, how wonderful your family is, how blessed you are and how great God is. But, before you know it, you are down in the valley feeling defeated, lonely, worried, depressed and sometimes, hopeless.

That is just life and the world that we live in...it is full of problems,victories, crimes, joy, sickness and health.

But the Word of God says...

Deuteronomy 3:1-1(1) Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses.(2) He sets the time for birth and the time for death,the time for planting and the time for pulling up,(3) the time for killing and the time for healing,the time for tearing down and the time for building.(4) He sets the time for sorrow and the time for joy,the time for mourning and the time for dancing,(5) the time for making love and the time for not making love,the time for kissing and the time for not kissing.(6) He sets the time for finding and the time for losing,the time for saving and the time for throwing away,(7) he time for tearing and the time for mending,the time for silence and the time for talk.(8) He sets the time for love and the time for hate,the time for war and the time for peace.(9) What do we gain from all our work? (10)I know the heavy burdens that God has laid on us. (11)He has set the right time for everything. He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what he does. (12) So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive. (13) All of us should eat and drink and enjoy what we have worked for. It is God's gift.(14) I know that everything God does will last forever. You can't add anything to it or take anything away from it. And one thing God does is to make us stand in awe of him. (15) Whatever happens or can happen has already happened before. God makes the same thing happen again and again. (Message)I am so thankful today for, not only, our climatic (seasons) changes, which I love but for my spiritual seasons...they are not the end and they will not last forever...ALL IN GOD'S TIME.

So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. (The Message)

I love how the Message Bible puts this verse..."not a day goes by without his unfolding grace"!

Wow!!!

Each one of has experienced trials and troubles in our lives and in our families...if you are alive and breathing...you have been there. So many times, we feel like we can't go on, can't put one foot in front of the other, can't utter another prayer, can't get out of bed and/or just don't want to.

We have felt at times...Why should I keep trying? Why should I care anymore? Does anyone even see that I am hurting or do they even care?

Can you relate to one of these times in your life? You might have experienced more than one...I know that I have.

If you are having financial troubles, setbacks...it is not the end.

If you have been lied to and deceived...it is not the end.

If you have lost your job...it is not the end.

If you have lost your home...it is not the end.

If you have been a victim of robbery, identity thief, home invasion...it is not the end.

If you have a child who is entangled in sin...wrong relationships, failing according to life's standards, refusing to communicate with you or your family, on drugs and/or alcohol or involved in homosexuality...it is not the end.

If you spouse has walked away from your marriage, chosen someone else over you...it is not the end.

If you have lost a loved one to death...whether it is a sudden death, suicide or a long illness...it is not the end.

If you have been in jail or a family member is in jail...it is not the end.

If you or your family member committed a horrible crime...it is not the end.

If you have lost or are losing your sight, hearing or even a limb...it is not the end.

If you have a disabling illness or disease...it is not the end.

If you are in the depths of depression, battling depression or chemical imbalance that is affecting your way of thinking, feeling, reacting and your relationships...it is not the end.

If you have learned that you have a terminal illness...it is not the end.

If you have done things in your life...past or present when you acted foolishly and are mortified by what you did...it is not the end.

If you are nearing death's door...it is not the end.

It might seem like the end, you might wish it were the end...BUT it is not the end because God is God, He is in control and the end has not come yet...not until God says "this is the end".

We must have faith in our Heavenly Father, trust Him in ALL things and lean on Him completely.

Hebrew 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

I don't know who this is for today but I felt that someone needed to hear this. Be blessed today and you trust in Him.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Please pray for my Uncle Joe and his family. We learned last night that my cousin was killed in Florida this past Thursday. He had been living in Florida but the events that led up to his death are still unclear at this time. We do know that he was struck by a car and killed.

It was only last night that his mother, who was already Florida visiting someone else, was notified of his death. She, in turn, called her daughter who lives here to go and break the news to her father, who isn't in good health.

His mother is flying to where he was living to identify the body today. Please pray for strength as she has to do this.

Please lift up the family during this time of loss, grief and tragedy.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

I have friends from all areas of my life...from childhood, school, work, church and community. Each one holds a very special place in my heart...some are so different, but yet, all are so precious. Some have been friends for many, many years and some have been friends for just a few short months. Some are my dear friends from across the street, around the corner, in another town a few miles away, to others who are many miles away and some through the worldwide web...but they all have one thing in common...loyalty, confidence, prayer partners and dear to my heart.

I can't imagine life without friends...what a lonely place that would be. Even though, my best friend is my husband, Roger...I have more than one female best friend(s). I have never been one that could only have one friend at a time and was never jealous of my friend's friends. There is enough love for everyone...plenty to go around. There might not be enough time in the day to spend with each friend but we all stay in contact and respect each other's priorities. All I have ever ask of my friends is to give back to our friendship, as much as you receive. Friendships should never be one-sided. That's my personal opinion...not a rule :)

Each one of my friends know who you are and I just want you to know that I love and appreciate you. Thank you for being there for me, loving me, trusting in me, confiding in me, allowing me to confide in you and be a part of your life and your family. I have truly been blessed with awesome friends.

Boy, oh boy! We have created some memories that will last a lifetime and to laugh about for years and years to come.

Bless your friends today with a phone call, note, email, text or e-card to let them know that you are thinking about them and value their friendship.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

I was thinking about age and getting older this morning while getting ready for another day in my life. Well, honestly, I was thinking "gee, you are starting to look OLD!" You ladies know what I mean...either in the morning or in the evening when no one else is in the bathroom but you...the make-up comes off and so do the clothes. It still amazes me how much make-up and clothing can truly hide. There is nothing more brutally honest, uncensored and unedited than looking at yourself in the mirror...in the buff and without at stitch of make-up...nothing is hidden any longer. I didn't like what was looking back at me this morning.

So, I began to think about the days of my youth and my current days to "elder hood". What did I like and dislike about myself when I was younger verses what I like and dislike about my current age status.

I thought that I would list 5 likes and 5 dislikes about my age now and ask you to send me your comments doing the same.

On your comments...this includes anonymous writers also...you are welcome to leave your comments, just leave your first name or initials...please.

List your age in one of the following categories:20-3031-4041-5051-6060+

Then list whether you are male or female and list 5 likes and dislikes of your current age...you can also compare it to your youth, if you are older, if you want to.

This should be fun :) To see the differences in what we see in ourselves vs. what others might see. Please participate...can you hear me begging???

LIKES:

All the lessons that I have successfully learned and haven't made those mistakes again

Spiritual growth...all the trials in my life has brought about so much spiritual growth...even I can see it...others already had.

Feeling secure in my marriage...Roger loves me for ME...not what I look like...PTL!

Growing old with my husband...retirement, hopefully, if there is anything left of Social Security in 10 years!

Blessed with a wonderful family...children, son-in-law and grandson...I love each and everyone of them...they might our lives complete.

DISLIKES:

Gray hair...Hello, Miss Clairol!

Wrinkles....Grrrrr...Hello, Oil of Olay!

Age Spots...any suggestions...other than a tanning bed :)

Metabolism...can't skip a meal anymore and lose 5 pounds!

Energy Level...here I go...dragging myself to the gym :(

Now, I know that I'm not really that old, but the old saying..."you are as old as you feel"...well, some days...I feel ancient. I will never forget when I started working for the first doctor in 1985 and made the statement that anyone over 30 was ancient. Little did I know that everyone that I was working with was over 30...they never let me forget it either. I was 22 at the time.

This is just for fun...I am exactly where God wants me to be and I am content. However, God wants us to take care of ourselves and be healthy...those are the changes that I am working on right now.

Let's look at God's Word on Youth and Old Age:

1 Timothy 4:12Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for other believers in your speech, behavior, love, faithfulness, and purity. (International Standard)

Psalm 103:5He fills my life with good things, so that I stay young and strong like an eagle. (GN)

Psalm 92:14[Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment]. (Amplified)

Isaiah 46:4Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will deliver you.(NAS)

Let's have some fun with this...."laughter does good like a medicine"...my interpretation.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Today, I am celebrating 46 years on this earth. Some have been good, some have been great but others...well, haven't been so great. However, they all make-up my life, they have molded me into who I am today. With every trial would eventually come victory and with every victory my faith grew. God has taken the ugly times of my life and created a stronger person. These are some of the major events and milestones in my life...many of them have already been blogged about.

Being born into a wonderful home with loving, nurturing Christian parents

A blessed childhood...full of laughter, family trips and so much more

The death of "Granny Wood"

The death of "Granddaddy"

High School Graduation

1st Marriage...3 weeks after graduation

Many troubled years of marriage

1st Pregnancy...Brandon...the joy out of a terrible marriage

Divorce

4 years of Single Parenting

Death of My Wonderful Father

Met A Wonderful Man Named Roger

2nd and Final Marriage

Blending 2 Families Into One

Rough and Rocky Patches With Blending Families

2nd Pregnancy...Tyler

Moved 4 times in 5 Years

Battles With A Teenage Son

Became A "Granny"

Death of "Big Nanny"

Lawsuit

Blessed With Home Based Job

Many Battles Fought and Won Through Jesus Christ

Thankful To Have Been Given The Opportunity to Serve Jesus Christ for 37 Years

Here is a slideshow of some of the events that make me smile and bring joy to my heart.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

I am so thankful to have lived "almost" another year...my birthday is Monday.

In a world full of tragedy, crime, disease and accidents, many people don't live to see 46 years old. So, when someone mentions age...I'm proud to say that I am 45...only for 5 more days :)

To celebrate my birthday, my husband and son are taking me camping at a beautiful state park for some rest and relaxation...then out to eat on Monday for my birthday. They're the greatest!

Now...let me be totally honest...I don't mind the number of years but I hate looking like it. The lines around the eyes, frown lines across the forehead, things starting to allow gravity to take over and the gray hair. Yes, I do have gray...but no one will see it as long as I can help it! I had to take after my grandfather's side of the family...prematurely gray in late 30's to 40's...where as my grandmother died at 98 and never colored her hair once...she was more pepper than salt when she died. Grrrrrrrr! (Been hitting the gym hard lately...I refuse to look OLD!) Not vain...just want to keep looking good for my man :0)

I love each one of the years that have molded me into the person that I am today...through the joys, excitement, spiritual grown, learning to put all my faith and trust in Jesus Christ and yes, through the bad times, trials and battles with the enemy...because I am victorious only through Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.

I am thankful for God's hand of protection, His provision, His wisdom and His guidance because without it and Him...I wouldn't be where I am today.

You have learned so many different things over the course of your life, you have been taught so much in Sunday School, Children's Church and in "big" church...but...sometimes God turns on the light bulb...just a little brighter for some and 200+ watts brighter for others (like me).

I was praying and asking God to speak to me again through His word because of some situations that we were going through that we completely out of our control. I felt the Lord remind me of where we were last year and what He promised me back then, still applies today.

Last year, 2007, was one of the worst years...it was a year full of financial attacks of the enemy, job related stresses, no family time, investment property issues, deadbeat tenants and so much more.

During those times, I felt like I was lost in the sea of stress...bobbing up and down and each time I come up....seemed like the enemy pushed us back down with another attack. I would only have enough time to grab a quick breath of fresh air and then it was down under again.

This was an ongoing thing over the past several years. The enemy tried to beat me up, make me blame myself and/or my husband, tell me the best thing to do was to just run away...leave it all behind and go. The darkness would sweep in like a fog, only it was very black and oh, so lonely.

On December 18th, 2007, I started looking again in Isaiah because God really spoke to me the week before in Isaiah 61. I stopped and started in several places...reading a few scripture in this chapter and then in that chapter. I turned to the back of my old Bible, my old faithful, King James version from childhood....there was a note that I had written one that said "Be renewed...Tap into God's strength...Isaiah 40:28-31. I read 28-31 and then went back to read the entire chapter.

Isaiah 40:28-31(28) Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. (29) He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (30)Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; (31) but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)

I got to verse 10 and 11...I thought about God going before me, his provision for my needs and his protection as my shepherd. Wow! But then, I got to verse 12 and it hit me hard! I read it over and over...I continued reading the chapter but my eyes were repeatedly drawn back to verse 12.

(10) See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. (11)He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Verse 12:Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?

I began to think about that and meditate on that one verse....then other verses came to my mind:

Isaiah 41:10So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 18:35You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.

Psalm 138:7Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.

I began to thank God when I think about the awesome size of his hands...(really, I can't even begin to comprehend it) and the size of my problems. He goes on to say in the verses that follow different comparisons of things we can understand (ie. mountains, dust, nations) to the size of His hand...like in verse 15...

Isaiah 40:15Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they are fine dust.

He weighs the islands as though they were fine dust....WOW! If the islands are "as fine dust in his hands....then my problems are so tiny that you couldn't even see them with a microscope. All that brought the assurance that NOTHING IS TOO BIG FOR GOD, that nothing is impossible for God and he holds me in the palm of His mighty hand because I am His child and with Him...we will make it!

He reaffirmed to me today that if He said it in the Bible, confirmed it to me in December '07, then it was just as good today as it was then. He let me know that I can REST in Him, for He will take care of me and my family. He will do the same for you!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Theology.a. the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God.b. the influence or spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them.c. a virtue or excellence of divine origin: the Christian graces.d. Also called state of grace. the condition of being in God's favor or one of the elect.When God pours out His favor, His grace on you...you experience what it means to be in the state of grace....being in God's favor...one of the elect.

ELECT:Theology. a person or persons chosen by God, esp. for favor or salvation.(Jennifer's interpretation is...hand picked by God...means you are special to Him!)

We have been praying and trusting God in an area of our lives for the past year. We are at a time in our lives that we need a plan of escape. Back in June, we felt led to go in a certain direction in this situation. It seemed like it was the plan of escape that we needed, however, it was not the way that I had been praying for. It took me several weeks to come to terms with this new and different direction because it was not the way that "I" wanted. It was not the "desire of my heart" and I had to resign myself to the fact that God sees the big picture and knows what is best for me rather that is best for my pride.

When we came to the fork in the road, we turned left because we felt that was the correct direction. I don't think that we missed God but I think God wanted to see if we were willing to lay down our pride and follow Him...no matter which direction that He was leading us.

We must have passed the test of willingness to obey in spite of our own feelings because a week ago, God said "STOP!"

We stopped in our tracks, continued to pray for guidance, had our close friends praying with us for God's favor in this situation.

God said "make a U-turn...NOW!", go back to the fork in the road and go in the direction that would have been a right turn in the beginning.

We were obedient.

God is faithful.

Last night after returning home from a shower at church, we got the answer that we were praying for in my inbox of my email. We still had questions and I asked those questions last night...all the while...praying for God's favor in this situation. When I got up this morning...the answers were there again...in my inbox of my email.

Praise The Lord!

God is Faithful!

We have a few small hurdles left to clear but God willing...it will be another prayer prayed, answered and turned into another testimony of God's amazing grace. We will continue to pray for God to clear the way until everything is signed, sealed and delivered on October 24th.

Jeremiah 29:11For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV)WHAT AN AWESOME BIRTHDAY PRESENT FOR A DAUGHTER TO RECEIVE FROM HER HEAVENLY FATHER FOR HER BIRTHDAY...OCTOBER 20TH. I don't mind if it is 4 days late:)

We are nearly the end of our Isaiah 61...The Year of the Lord's Favor...2008 and God has faithfully honored His promise in 3 of the 4 areas that we have been believing God for. The last one seems to be impossible to the human mind but I know that "NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD!"

Luke 1:37For nothing is impossible with God." (NIV)

We are praying for a loved one to return to the Lord, commit their heart to Him, serve Him and be used mightily by Him. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!!! Please agree with us in prayer that this will happen.

My prayer is to keep them physically safe and beyond that..."Break them, Lord! Whatever it takes."

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Are you having doubts today that Jesus is hearing your cries? Are you feeling defeated? Are you sinking and you feel like no one cares? Are you starting to have doubts? Are you feeling discouraged today?

If you can answer "yes" to any of these questions...just remember this:

Jeremiah 32:27"I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?"

We all know the answer to this question regardless of your circumstance today. The answer yesterday, today and forever will always be "NO"...there is nothing to difficult for God.

Here are just a few of the miracles that Jesus performed when He walked on the earth. Read them, study them and let Jesus speak to you today.

Jesus performed all these miracles just by speaking to the situation that was at hand. If He could do it then, don't you think that He can still do it today.

There is not a single thing that is going on in your life that God cannot change in an instant!

But, we have to pray, give it to Him, leave it there and let Him take control of the situation.

When we give it to Him, it is not our battle to fight anymore but it is His.

Let Him do what He is longing to do today...help you, lead you, guide you, provide for your every need, make a way for you, take your pain away, lift up your head, put joy back in your heart...BE LORD OF YOUR LIFE!

Hebrews 13: 8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:5

"I will never leave you, nor forsake you"Whatever is troubling you today that is out of your control, take it to the Lord in prayer...make your request known to Him.

Philippians 4:6,7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition (definite request), with thanksgiving, present your request to God. (7) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

I am so thankful today that God's promises are not based on life's circumstances. When God makes a promise in His Word or to you personally...it doesn't matter what your friends say, what the world says, what your circumstances say....nothing matters EXCEPT what God's Word says.

He is my only confidence...not man or circumstances!

Confidence according to Roget's II: The New Thesaurus means:

Definition: Absolute certainty in the trustworthiness of another.Synonyms: belief, dependence, faith, reliance, trust Proverbs 3:26...His Protectionfor the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. (NIV)Jeremiah 17:7...In Him Will I Trust"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. (NIV)Titus 1:2...He Cannot Lie!This truth gives them the confidence of eternal life, which God promised them before the world began – and he cannot lie. (New Living)Psalms 121:5...His ProtectionThe LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.(New Living)

I love the way The Message Bible says it...And GOD said, "Good eyes! I'm sticking with you. I'll make every word I give you come true." (The Message)

The Bible plainly states that God cannot lie...so if His Word says it, He will do it and that settles it for me. He promises that he will watch over His Word to perform it and He promises to protection his children all along life's journey.

I am thankful on this blessed Thursday that I can put my confidence, my trust in my Heavenly Father who is looking out for me and my family because He only wants what is BEST for us!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

These are just a few words to describe 2007 for our family. I can honestly say that it was one of the absolute worse years of my life.

It was full of attacks from the enemy and I allowed fear, doubt, discouragement and depression to take up residence in my life.

When it seemed like things could not get any worse...they did. I have never felt so defeated, hopeless and could not control one thing that was going on in our lives.

BUT...I will never forget December 13th, 2007...it was the day that the momentum of our lives changed and the sun began to shine again.

In my desperation, I was praying that morning...crying out to God in my pain and asking Him to speak to me through His Word. I began to thumb through my Bible...I stopped on numerous passages but nothing was speaking directly to me. I refused to give up and kept searching God's Word.

I turned to Isaiah 61 and in the NIV...the heading for this chapter was "THE YEAR OF THE LORD'S FAVOR"....I stopped immediately and began to read. This was when I felt the Lord speaking deep into my spirit...peace, hope and excitement began to fill my spirit. Yes, there was an ounce of doubt that the Lord was really speaking this passage to my family for the upcoming year....2008. So, for me....when in doubt...seek confirmation from the two wisest people that I know...Pastor Rusty and Dorinda. (Love you guys!) I texted Pastor Rusty and asked him if I could pray this passage over my family for 2008...I don't trust my interpretation of the scripture very often. He immediately texted me back and said..."Yes and you should...I will agree and pray the same prayer for you guys!". I emailed the same question to Dorinda the same day.

Then...the excitement really set it!!! Out of the entire chapter of Isaiah 61...these are the verses that we have been standing on for nearly a year.

The Year of the LORD 's Favor

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.... 7 Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. 8 "For I, the LORD , love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity. In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed."

There was hope and a promise for the coming year...God was in control and He would work all things out for His glory in His time.

BUT...it wasn't until the next day that I received this email from Dorinda that I began to REALLY shout...here is her original email:

Jennifer!

awesome ! that is amazing...

last night before i went to bed i was praying for you. i did not hear an audible voice but i knew God was speaking to me to send you an email about the power of praying the word ..... and after talking to you the other day about 2008, Isaiah 61 was on my heart!

any way - here is what went through my head last night as i was praying for you....

Hebrews 4:12 says -For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thought and attitudes of the heart.

The KJV says quick and powerful

The part about the double edged is what I want to get at. On one side it fights the devil. The enemy cowers when we SPEAK the word of God. He knows he cannot begin to battle that power.... It was the spoken word of God that created the universe and that cast the enemy from the portals of heaven to where he is now. The spoken word of God is powerful when fighting the enemy. That is why it is so important to not only read and meditate on God's word but to speak it out loud. The enemy cannot read our minds. He shivers on what he hears out of our mouths.

The other edge of the sword is where the power of meditating and reading God's Word comes in. From one side we fight the enemy- from the other side we clean ourselves up. Rusty's blog on Tuesday I think dealt with that. But God's word penetrates to our soul and spirit and circumcises our heart.... as the Bible says - that just means it helps us to crucify our flesh.

So - when you read Isaiah 61 and you get to verse 7 - that says "instead of their shame my people - Roger and Jennifer W - will receive a double portion and instead of disgrace Roger and Jennifer will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. For I, the lord, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity (robbery of people not paying their rent). In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them! Tell the devil out loud what God's word says. Shout it at him. Then meditate on it every day. This is God's promise to you! I am so glad God gave you this verse before I had a chance to share it with you, because now you know that God promised this Word to YOU.

Throughout the Bible we are told to meditate on God's Word (think about and repeat over and over again to ourselves) pray God's Word ( the only way we can be sure to pray according to the will of God) speak God's Word (like Jesus did when he was tempted to be discouraged - spoke it out loud to satan)

remember also verse 10 in the rough times: I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoice in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.....

Jennifer, God is raising you up to be a warrior. I know you are tired of fighting the emotional and spiritual battles, but I see the warrior spirit in you. God sees time so much different than we do. He is infinite and we see time through our finite beings. Time for God is just like this line below

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He looks down and sees the beginning as well as the ending and all the points in between. He sees your good times and your rough times, but ultimately He sees your rejoicing in heaven for eternity. That is how He works all things for the good of those who love Him.

That is why placing our trust in Him is so vital. Trusting Him when we are tired and worn out. Trusting Him when we feel all is going down the tubes. Trusting Him when we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. Simple trust. He has promised you victory - so tomorrow, if it brings worse news than yesterday, you can trust in Him.

The other scripture I have been praying for you and Roger is Psalm 25. The whole chapter deals with asking Him to show His ways and teach His paths. It is my most favorite chapter in the whole Bible. I probably read it about 10 times each week.

love ya girl! you are a precious friend. i love you dearly and am so thankful you consider me to be your friend.

dorinda

2008 has been a wonderful year full of promise, excitement, renewed hope, strength and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Please pray with us for my meeting at 11 AM tomorrow as I meet with two investors from California who are in town to purchase investment property. They will be looking at all 11 houses to take over. Please pray for favor with V and J and a workable deal that both parties will be happy with.

Tomorrow could be the answer to the prayers that we have been praying for since last year and the promise from December 13th, 2007 of Isaiah 61 coming to fruition.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

I am so thankful today that I serve a God who sees the big picture...you know, over the hills and around the curves. Why? Because I can only see the here and now...what is right in front of me, what is pressing down on me or the circumstances in my life.

This week has been one of those weeks where I had the rug pulled out from under me. We had set the wheels in motions several months ago for something that would greatly bless our family. It still wasn't the exact chain of events that I had been praying for last year but nevertheless, the end result would be the same. As the weeks and months have rolled by...it looked like everything was going to go off without a hitch.

Yeah, right!

Last Friday, I got one phone call that made the rug begin to slip under our feet and then on Monday night...it was yanked completely out from under us.

Being perfectly honest...I was very disappointed, angry, in a terrible mood and even, slightly depressed. In the midst of my terrible mood, I continued to pray that God would control the situation and He knew our heart's desire.

I know what God's Word says in...

Jeremiah 32:27 says..."Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for me?" (NAS)Jeremiah 33:3 says... "Call to me and I will answer you. I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.' (Message)

You know it, believe it and feel it but it is sometimes hard to walk like it. Sometimes we walk in it saying that we know that God is in control but why do we do it with our heads hung down, feeling sorry for ourselves and wondering if anyone will care.

Pity party!!!

There was something that I thought about doing earlier in the day on Tuesday, but kept getting busy and didn't get around to it until about 4 PM. I stopped what I was doing, sent one email out to the person who has been helping us with the situation and then went to a website that I have used in the past and posted something there.

Within 5 minutes, I received an email from a lady completely across the United States and she was inquiring about what I had posted.

Can you say...God's timing!

Plus, they will be in town this coming Tuesday. If all of this had transpired in another week...this opportunity would have been missed...again...God's ALWAYS ON TIME!!!

Through numerous emails and several phone calls between us...I believe that God has opened a new door...one that is better than the one we were hoping to walk through just days before, one the holds so much promise and I believe that God's hand is in this.

In the course of our emails...I have an automatic signature that looks like this:

Jeremiah 32:27"Behold, I am the Lord...Is anything too difficult for me?"Not knowing who I was communicating with...I removed this automatic signature and just signed my emails.

However, as time went on and I began to feel more comfortable about the opportunity that was fast approaching...I left the automatic signature on my email but removed by blog address. Then finally, used it with my blog address on it as well.

The very next email that came to me from this lady said this: We are Christians as well and working with fellow Christians gives my partner (who happens to be my mother -in-law) and I, a since of peace, we were led here for a reason. In God's Love, V.

I replied back with telling her how good God is and how things had come to the point that I posted on the website what I did and the steps that followed.

Her reply was: Yes God is Good!!! We have had his hand leading us since the day we started and I believe he lead us to you and Roger, I feel so blessed. Joyfully receiving HIS blessings, V.Well, by this time...I was having a "glory spell", "Jericho march", "praise fest" and I was busting at the seams to share what God was doing.

And last night...she mentioned that she loved my website...Through The Storms! Praise God! If she reads my blog from beginning to end...she will know me before she ever mets me. All because I returned to using my automatic signature on my emails. God hands is steadly working here.

I know that God is leading and guiding both parties in this matter, God's hand is in this, and God is in control. We are still not sure what the final outcome will be but we are trusting God and we want only what is God's Will in our lives and in this situation.

I am so thankful today not only because God is working this out for our good and for His glory...but because my God sees the big picture...he sees over the hills and around the curves. He knows what is best for every one of us. We think that we know best, but really...we don't have a clue compared to God's greatness.

A friend told me yesterday when I shared what God was doing...she said "When God does it, He does it right!"...thanks...T...you are so right.

I replied to T with "and BIG...nothing too difficult for my God and He likes to show off...you know...kinda...in your face Satan...look what I can do and will do for my children"!!!

I am so thankful that I am a child of the King, I am royalty and my "Daddy" loves me, watches over me and provides what His children need...In His Time!!!

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the purposes which I am planning for you, says Jehovah; purposes of peace, and not for evil; to give you posterity and a hope. (NIV)Isaiah 46:10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from the past those things which were not done, saying, My counsel shall rise; and, I will do all My desire; (NIV)Isaiah 58:11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. (NIV)Isaiah 55:8-12 (8) "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. (9) "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (10) As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, (11) so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (12) You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. (NIV)Micah 4:12 But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD; they do not understand his plan, he who gathers them like sheaves to the threshing floor. (NIV)

My Teenager:)

Our Handsome Son

Our Family Trip

Handsome Grandson, Mason

Beautiful Daughters

My Sweet, Sweet Little Girl

My Precious Baby Girl, Biscuit

Our Precious Daughter & Grandson

Mason & Ryan

Our Daughter and Son-in-law

Sommer & Jim

My Wonderful Family

Ty, Me, Brandon, Ryan, Mason, Sommer & Jim Christmas '07

In My Life

I want to share with you the struggles that I/we have faced in my/our life and the battles that have been won throughJesus Christ...in an ordinaryChristian woman's life. Many times, we see/anticipate the attacks that the enemy launches at us but often times...we get blindsided. I feel that there are a few situations that I/we have not faced and those, I pray that I never have to experience. The things that I want to share are situations, reactions, consequences and outcomes in my life....these may not be the same situations that you have dealt with or dealing with or how you have reacted but if you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior...the end is the same...He promises in...Hebrews 13:5.... "I will NEVER leave younor forsake you"and He is in control....ALWAYS.